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About Cannon Beach gazette. (Cannon Beach, Or.) 1977-current | View Entire Issue (May 5, 2017)
8A • May 5, 2017 | Cannon Beach Gazette | cannonbeachgazette.com Seaside schools poised to launch K-12 building plan Budget infused by bond approval By R.J. Marx Cannon Beach Gazette The Seaside School Dis- trict finds itself on solid ground as it launches a K-12 building project. Members of the Seaside School District budget com- mittee, along with the school’s board of directors and admin- istrator reviewed the proposed $20.6 million operating bud- get for next fiscal year before the Tuesday, April 18, regular board meeting. “I do feel good about it,” Superintendent Sheila Ro- ley said about the proposed budget. “We have had a few years in the past decade where we’ve had to hold steady or even reduce.” The school district’s finan- cial summary included break- downs for general fund, debt service, special revenue and capital projects. Proposed general fund rev- enues are 9.5 percent higher than this year’s budget. “An improving Oregon economy, timber revenue and excellent management will al- low us to move forward with- out reductions in staffing or programs and with some mod- est additions,” Roley wrote in a budget message presented by Business Manager Justine Hill. The school district plans to hire an elementary school guidance counselor and a new high school science and math teacher, among other person- nel additions. The budget addresses ris- ing student technology costs, with districtwide licenses for math and science software. An additional $112 million capital budget for construc- tion of the new K-12 campus — including $4 million from the state — was also present- R.J. MARX/CANNON BEACH GAZETTE Seaside School District Business Manager Justine Hill presents the proposed budget for next fiscal year to members of the budget committee and board. ed for review. The district anticipates paying out $22.5 million next year toward the project, en- dorsed by voters in November, Hill said. This includes costs for architects, project manager, geotechnical engineering, site work, civil engineers and surveying firms, among other expenses. The bond’s capital fund balance will reach almost $90 million by June 2018, Hill said. Pension costs Proposed increases in dis- trict expenditures come with new hires, software licensing fees and employee benefits. All employee groups are scheduled to receive 2.5 per- cent salary increases with regular step increases when applicable. Public Employees Retire- ment System rates will see an increase in July with a need for additional higher contri- butions. Under the proposed budget, the district’s contri- bution rate will increase from 11.76 percent to 16.64 percent for older employees — about a 41 percent year-to-year in- crease. Writers get wired: E-education workshops coming to Manzanita By Dan Haag For EO Media Group Education in the 21st century often means more than brick-and-mortar class- rooms. There is a bevy of online opportunities for all ages and interests. Online students can learn from wherever and whenever they want, making “e-edu- cation” an attractive option for those with busy work and family schedules. Or for those who prefer learn- ing from the comfort of their favorite chair and cozy bath- robe. With that in mind, Man- zanita’s Hoffman Center For The Arts Writer’s Series launched “Online and at the Beach” on May 1. Part of Hoff Online, the program will offer writing and visual arts workshops. While Hoffman Center has always offered a broad range of workshops, the cen- ter’s President Vera Wildau- er said the time has come to expand their repertoire be- yond the half-day, in-house format. “It allows for a more in- depth learning experience,” she said. “Students appre- ciate the flexibility and can work on their own schedule and from anywhere.” “Online and at the Beach” will reach people who might only come to the beach for holidays and weekends, as well as coastal residents far- ther south or north. Wildauer said people in Clatsop, Tillamook and Lincoln counties often try to participate in the center’s programs but aren’t always able to because of work or weather conditions. “Tillamook County is a very long county, and while we regularly get participants who live in Pacific City or Neskowin, offering online learning makes it easier for Savings, revenue them to connect with us,” she said. ‘A creative hothouse’ The five-week online course culminates in an op- tional writing retreat week- end in Manzanita the week- end of June 2, a gathering that will allow students to meet their instructor and fel- low students, and enjoy addi- tional craft writing sessions. Participants will also have an opportunity to read their work at an open mic, try “Yoga for Writers,” go on hikes, and dive into a “Prompt-O-Rama.” The intention, Wildauer said, is to complement the online courses with a week- end retreat as often as possi- ble. The initial series instruc- tors will be prominent Pacif- ic Northwest authors Megan Kruse and Jennie Shortridge. Kruse will teach “Cre- ativity Catalyst” while Shor- tridge will teach “Putting Your Prose to Work.” Both Kruse and Shor- tridge are “veterans” of pre- vious workshops and read- ings at the center and were natural fits for the pilot pro- gram. “We’ve always had great response to Megan and Jen- nie here as workshop teach- ers,” the writer series or- ganizer, Kathie Hightower, said. Kruse, the author of “Call Me Home” and recipient of a 2016 Pacific Northwest Book Award, is excited to be on board. “Life so often gets in the way of our work,” she said. “I want this class to be a cre- ative hothouse for dormant ideas and a jolt of energy.” Shortridge, author of five novels – including “Love Wa- ter Memory” and “When She Flew” — thinks the program will offer a necessary push to writers. SUBMITTED PHOTO Chart indicates Seaside School District’s 2017-18 proposed expenditures. Salaries make up 48 percent of costs. Associated payroll costs are the second largest expenditure at 32 percent. The district’s contribution to employees participating in the state’s public retirement plan will increase from 7.07 to 11.31 percent, a 60 percent jump. “Our budgeted PERS rate increases, including the cost of both those funds, are slat- ed to cost the district about $473,000,” Hill said. ALEKS, a math software program, will cost the district $20,000, Hill said. Total costs for Microsoft licenses for students could reach $6,000, she added. The school district allocat- ed $250,000 to the new Can- non Beach Academy, which requires an enrollment of 34 students to open in September. While enrollment is “pick- ing up,” Roley said, numbers must be determined by May 1. Savings under the proposed document come from low- er maintenance costs at older school buildings — Broadway Middle School, Gearhart El- ementary School and Seaside High School — as the district transitions to the new campus adjacent to Seaside Heights El- ementary School. Reductions will also come with lower budgeted mainte- nance costs at Seaside High School, Gearhart Elementary and Broadway Middle School. Potential revenue from the sale of the older buildings is not included in this year’s bud- get package. The district received $1.8 million in timber revenues in 2015-16, with $1.5 million ex- pected this year, Hill said. The lowered estimate comes as a result of fluctuations in the industry and changing harvest timelines, she added. On May 16, the budget re- turns before the committee, with an opportunity for addi- tional public input. A budget must be delivered by June 30. “Sometimes the committee is ready to adopt at the May meeting, sometimes at the June meeting,” Roley said. Academy reaches target, will open in fall “The initial reason for wanting to start this school was because I wanted my son to be close to where I lived,” Simmons said. “I think it’s important for the young fam- ilies who live in our commu- nity to have their children in school where they live and work so they can interact with their kid in the school day.” he said. “As a leader when you take over an organization, the best way to start is to ob- serve. But I anticipate that as we move forward she’ll take more control.” While Moore is from Sa- lem, she has had a house in Seaside for three years, and is ready to start. “This place has been call- ing us to live here for a long time,” she said. New director Next steps Academy from Page 1A There are a lot of things that are bringing the director of Cannon Beach Academy to the North Coast. Amy Moore loves walking by the salty sea water with her dog, she said, and visiting Cannon Beach at her family vacation home for the past 20 years has let her get to know the place. But the main reason she’s taking the position comes from her passion for children. “My passion for education comes from supporting stu- dents who have a hard time being supported in school,” Moore said. Moore, 40, has worked in special education in a variety of facets at public and private schools throughout Oregon for 11 years. She has served in leadership roles at La Salle Prep, a Catholic school in Mil- waukie, and at Victory Acade- my, the only private school in Oregon that caters exclusively BRENNA VISSER/CANNON BEACH GAZETTE Amy Moore, the new director of Cannon Beach Academy. to students with autism. “It will be beneficial to have this background, as we will likely have learners from all different backgrounds, and learners with varying levels of ability, strengths and needs” she said. “I think this lens is a good lens to use for all stu- dents, not just those who may have learning differences be- cause each child is unique.” As the director, Moore will be in charge of hiring teachers, curriculum and constructing the overall vision for the acad- emy. In these early stages, Moore is concentrated on finding teachers and getting logistics squared away so the school can physically open. “We want to think big, but we have limits with our space,” she said. “I want to Experience Family Dining in a Relaxed & Friendly Environment partner with parents and busi- nesses, and I’m trying to reach out to families outside of Can- non Beach to make (the acad- emy) an education hub.” Cannon Beach Academy treasurer Barb Knop said that while there were many qual- ified applicants for the posi- tion, Moore’s love for children is what shined in the interview. “What I admired the most about her it was clear she loved children. Her face would light up at those moments, and I liked those moments,” Knop said. Simmons said he is confi- dent in Moore’s ability to lead and direct the vision of the school. “I got the impression that she has the ability to under- stand what a problem is and figure out a way to solve it,” With students in hand and a director to lead them, the school must have its building permit approved by the city to start renovation of the former Cannon Beach Fitness Center. Once approved, the academy can move forward with con- struction over the summer. Moore said she is review- ing teacher applications as well. If students are still inter- ested in enrolling, there will be a second enrollment period through the end of June. In the second enrollment peri- od, charter schools are legally obligated to choose students with a lottery system, meaning if there are more applications than open spots the school will randomly select students from the pool as spots become available. “Overall, this was a com- munity effort, including Sea- side School District, and I’m just really proud,” Simmons said. powered by Serving Seafood, Pizza, Sandwiches, Espressos, Beer, Wine, Ice Cream and our Homemade Desserts We have a fabulous patio where you can enjoy the weather and your meal. “TO-GO” Orders Welcome 156 N. Hemlock • Cannon Beach 503.436.9551 Owned and Operated by the Cleary Family music fi rst
